Benefit programs in Colorado (2026)
For families in Colorado we check every federal program below, then map your state's own programs and point you to the office that runs each one.
For some of Colorado's own programs below we already have a vetted maximum from the official source. Those show "Up to $X/year". For programs without a vetted cap, we describe the program and link its official page while we finish computed-depth verification. Federal amounts are computed for every state, including yours.
Colorado families can get Medicaid help with care at home through 10 Medicaid home and community-based services waivers that pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. We have not yet confirmed a dollar figure for a property-tax relief program in Colorado, so none is quoted here. Colorado also runs a federally funded LIHEAP energy-assistance program that helps pay heating bills for qualifying households. Figures checked against official sources, last on 2026-08-05.
Does Colorado Medicaid pay for care at home?
Yes. Colorado runs 10 Medicaid home & community-based services waivers, including "CO Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver (0450.R04.00)" and "CO Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver (4180.R06.00)". These pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. We have no confirmed dollar figure for what they pay. Amounts depend on an assessment, and most waivers have waiting lists. Ask Colorado Medicaid, or call 844-COL-ADRC.
- CO Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver (0450.R04.00)
- CO Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver (4180.R06.00)
- CO Complementary and Integrative Health (HCBS-CIH) Waiver (0961.R03.00)
- CO Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-DD) Waiver (0007.R09.00)
- CO Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (HCBS-EBD) Waiver (0006.R09.00)
- CO HCBS – Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (0305.R06.00)
- CO HCBS Waiver for Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS) (0268.R06.00)
- CO Persons with Brain Injury (HCBS-BI) Waiver (0288.R06.00)
- CO Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver (0293.R06.00)
- WAIVER TERMINATED - CO HCBS Children with Autism (0434.R02.00)
What property tax relief is available to seniors in Colorado?
Colorado has 6 property-tax relief programs that seniors may qualify for: Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption), Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification and Property Tax Deferral Program (Senior and Active Military Deferral). We have not confirmed their dollar amounts against the official state pages (last checked 2026-08-05), so we do not state amounts here. The official links below carry the current figures. Call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center at 844-COL-ADRC and ask which you qualify for. They will also tell you the filing deadline, which is usually earlier than people expect.
8 programs in Colorado. Each description below is drawn from its linked source and shown in full: the tag next to each name marks its source tier (GOV/GOV PDF: the program's own official page, ANALYSIS/IND: a secondary source).
Property-tax figures last checked against official sources on 2026-08-05. See how we verify figures.
| Program | Benefit | Vetted maximum | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption) GOV | 50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt from property tax (maximum $100,000 of value exempted). The state reimburses local governments for the lost revenue, subject to annual General Assembly funding. Requires the applicant (or spouse) to have owned AND occupied the home as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years. | Official source → | |
| Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a Disability GOV | 50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt (maximum $100,000 of value exempted) — same formula as the senior exemption. Veteran must have served active duty, been honorably discharged, and have a VA rating of 100% permanent disability (through disability retirement benefits) or individual unemployability status. | Official source → | |
| Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption GOV | 50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt (maximum $100,000 of value exempted) — same formula as the senior/veteran exemption. Applicant (or spouse) must be owner of record and occupy the home as primary residence as of January 1 of the application year. | Official source → | |
| Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification GOV | Reclassifies the qualifying senior's primary residence into a special subclass that delivers property-tax relief equivalent to the Senior Homestead Exemption (i.e., reduces the value used for assessment by 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value / up to $100,000). Created by SB24-111 for seniors who would otherwise lose the exemption after moving; it waives the 10-year same-home ownership requirement. Available only for tax years 2025 and 2026. | Official source → | |
| Property Tax Deferral Program (Senior and Active Military Deferral) GOV | The state Treasurer loans the funds to pay the homeowner's property taxes (paid to the county by ~May 1); the deferral is recorded as a junior state lien and accrues simple interest. Interest rate resets annually per statute (10-year rate published in the Wall Street Journal on Feb 1); it is 4.238% for the tax year 5/1/2026-4/30/2027. Repayment is due 90 days after a disqualifying event (sale, title transfer, conversion to rental, reverse mortgage) or within one year of the owner's death. NOTE: the former 'Tax Growth' deferral tier open to all homeowners was eliminated for new applicants effective 2026 (SB25-261); administration shifted to county treasurers in 2026. | Official source → | |
| Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate GOV | Income- and expense-based rebate of property tax, rent, and/or heating costs of up to $1,178 per year, plus up to a $38 TABOR refund add-on ($19 for single filers). Claimed on form DR 0104PTC. A claimant may take only ONE of the PTC rebate or the Disability Assistance Credit per year. | Up to $1,178/year. Income limit: 2025 total income (all sources) below $19,094 (single) or $25,788 (married filing jointly). Tax year 2025. Also up to $38. Colorado Department of Revenue → | Official source → |
| Income-Qualified Senior Housing Income Tax Credit GOV | Refundable income tax credit designed as property-tax relief for seniors who cannot claim the homestead exemption. Maximum $800 (single or joint) at AGI of $25,499 or less; phases down by $8 per $500 of AGI over $25,000 for single filers ($4 per $500 for joint) to $0 at the income caps; $400 for married-filing-separately. Disqualified if the senior received the senior/disabled-veteran property tax exemption that year. Extended to tax years 2025 and 2026 by SB25-013. | Up to $800/year. Income limit: Federal AGI of $75,000 or less (single/HoH) or $125,000 or less (married filing jointly). Tax year 2025. Colorado Department of Revenue → | Official source → |
| Disability Assistance Credit (DAC) GOV | Refundable income tax credit of $400 to $1,200 (amount varies by income and filing status; adjusted annually for inflation). Established by HB24-1268; replaces the PTC rebate as the benefit path for under-65 people with disabilities. Claimed by filing a Colorado income tax return (DR 0104 + DR 0104CR). A person may claim only ONE of the DAC or the PTC rebate per tax year. | Official source → |
Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption) GOV
- Benefit
50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt from property tax (maximum $100,000 of value exempted). The state reimburses local governments for the lost revenue, subject to annual General Assembly funding. Requires the applicant (or spouse) to have owned AND occupied the home as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years.
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a Disability GOV
- Benefit
50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt (maximum $100,000 of value exempted) — same formula as the senior exemption. Veteran must have served active duty, been honorably discharged, and have a VA rating of 100% permanent disability (through disability retirement benefits) or individual unemployability status.
- Official source
- Official source →
Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption GOV
- Benefit
50% of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value is exempt (maximum $100,000 of value exempted) — same formula as the senior/veteran exemption. Applicant (or spouse) must be owner of record and occupy the home as primary residence as of January 1 of the application year.
- Official source
- Official source →
Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification GOV
- Benefit
Reclassifies the qualifying senior's primary residence into a special subclass that delivers property-tax relief equivalent to the Senior Homestead Exemption (i.e., reduces the value used for assessment by 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value / up to $100,000). Created by SB24-111 for seniors who would otherwise lose the exemption after moving; it waives the 10-year same-home ownership requirement. Available only for tax years 2025 and 2026.
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax Deferral Program (Senior and Active Military Deferral) GOV
- Benefit
The state Treasurer loans the funds to pay the homeowner's property taxes (paid to the county by ~May 1); the deferral is recorded as a junior state lien and accrues simple interest. Interest rate resets annually per statute (10-year rate published in the Wall Street Journal on Feb 1); it is 4.238% for the tax year 5/1/2026-4/30/2027. Repayment is due 90 days after a disqualifying event (sale, title transfer, conversion to rental, reverse mortgage) or within one year of the owner's death. NOTE: the former 'Tax Growth' deferral tier open to all homeowners was eliminated for new applicants effective 2026 (SB25-261); administration shifted to county treasurers in 2026.
- Official source
- Official source →
Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate GOV
- Benefit
Income- and expense-based rebate of property tax, rent, and/or heating costs of up to $1,178 per year, plus up to a $38 TABOR refund add-on ($19 for single filers). Claimed on form DR 0104PTC. A claimant may take only ONE of the PTC rebate or the Disability Assistance Credit per year.
- Vetted maximum
Up to $1,178/year. Income limit: 2025 total income (all sources) below $19,094 (single) or $25,788 (married filing jointly). Tax year 2025. Also up to $38. Colorado Department of Revenue →
- Official source
- Official source →
Income-Qualified Senior Housing Income Tax Credit GOV
- Benefit
Refundable income tax credit designed as property-tax relief for seniors who cannot claim the homestead exemption. Maximum $800 (single or joint) at AGI of $25,499 or less; phases down by $8 per $500 of AGI over $25,000 for single filers ($4 per $500 for joint) to $0 at the income caps; $400 for married-filing-separately. Disqualified if the senior received the senior/disabled-veteran property tax exemption that year. Extended to tax years 2025 and 2026 by SB25-013.
- Vetted maximum
Up to $800/year. Income limit: Federal AGI of $75,000 or less (single/HoH) or $125,000 or less (married filing jointly). Tax year 2025. Colorado Department of Revenue →
- Official source
- Official source →
Disability Assistance Credit (DAC) GOV
- Benefit
Refundable income tax credit of $400 to $1,200 (amount varies by income and filing status; adjusted annually for inflation). Established by HB24-1268; replaces the PTC rebate as the benefit path for under-65 people with disabilities. Claimed by filing a Colorado income tax return (DR 0104 + DR 0104CR). A person may claim only ONE of the DAC or the PTC rebate per tax year.
- Official source
- Official source →
How much heating bill help can I get in Colorado?
Up to $1,000 toward heating bills. That is the FY 2026 maximum Colorado's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) publishes. Most households get less. This is the ceiling, not a typical amount. A separate crisis benefit of up to $1,000 is available if your service is about to be shut off. Source: https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Colorado.htm
| Program | Benefit | Published maximum | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Help with heating bills, plus emergency help if service is at risk. Emergency crisis help is available. | In Colorado the published heating maximum is $1,000. Crisis maximum: $1,000. | Official source → |
Retirement income tax
Social Security in Colorado: Colorado allows a subtraction for Social Security benefits that are included in federal taxable income (federal 1040 line 6b). Taxpayers age 65 or older at year-end may subtract the ENTIRE taxable Social Security amount (fully exempt), for tax years 2022 and later. For tax years 2025 and later, taxpayers age 55-64 may also subtract the entire taxable Social Security amount IF their adjusted gross income does not exceed $75,000 (single) or $95,000 (joint); if AGI exceeds those thresholds, their combined pension/Social Security subtraction is capped at $20,000. Under age 55, Social Security falls under the general pension/annuity subtraction cap. So Social Security is fully exempt for those 65
Pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s: Colorado has a flat state income tax (statutory rate 4.40%, subject to occasional temporary TABOR reductions). Pension, IRA, 401(k), and annuity distributions included in federal taxable income qualify for the 'pension and annuity subtraction': up to $20,000 per year for taxpayers age 55-64, and up to $24,000 per year for taxpayers age 65 or older. Taxpayers under age 55 generally cannot claim it except for pension/annuity income received as a death benefit (limited to $20,000). The subtraction is computed per person on a joint return. Claiming the separate Social Security subtraction reduces the amount available under this pension/annuity cap for the same taxpayer (for those 55-64); for taxpayers 65+, Social Security is subtracted separately/in full and the $24,000 cap applies to other pension/annuity income. (Railroad retirement benefits and, for younger retirees, military retirement h
Official source →Federal programs: checked in Colorado too
These are computed for every family, wherever they live.
VA Aid & Attendance
An extra monthly VA payment for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help.
Medicare Savings Programs
State help that pays your Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays.
Medicare Extra Help
Lowers what you pay for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.
SNAP (food support)
Monthly money for groceries. Older adults often qualify for more than they expect.
Social Security & SSI
Checks whether the person may be missing Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.
Federal tax credits
Credits and deductions families miss, including medical expenses and the credit for the elderly or disabled.
Medicare before 65
Medicare eligibility for people under 65 through a disability.
Who do I call in Colorado for help with elder care?
Call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 844-COL-ADRC. They're the free, no-wrong-door starting point for home care, respite and other long-term-care options in Colorado.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) / No Wrong Door
Free help understanding your options.
844-COL-ADRCWhich of these fits your family?
Being on this list doesn't mean your family qualifies. That depends on income, savings, care needs and service history. The free check works out which ones are worth your time, in about four minutes.
Not legal or medical advice. Benefits vary. Figures are estimates.